South Africa fullback Zane Kirchner has been ruled out of Saturday's Tri-Nations Test against New Zealand due to a knee cartilage injury.

The 26-year-old will miss the Johannesburg clash after a scan on his left knee showed the damage, the South African Rugby Union announced. Kirchner sustained the injury during the Blue Bulls' narrow 15-12 Currie Cup defeat to Western Province

The Springboks' medical team made the decision to withdraw the player following a scan on the injury and a decision on his availability for the remainder of the Tri-Nations will be made at a later date.